‘Benefit Reform British style will not work in North’ – Brady

Sinn Féin’s Welfare Rights Spokesperson Mickey Brady has described proposed benefit changes as trying to put ‘a square peg in a round hole’ when dealing with the North of Ireland.

Brady said, “I have absolutely no doubt that Welfare Reform, which will completely change the benefit landscape, as implemented in Britain would have a hugely negative impact in the North.  This view is overwhelmingly endorsed by the latest report from the SSAC (Social Security Advisory Committee).”

“Sinn Féin have been to the fore in challenging the Tory Welfare reform agenda which will impact worst on our most vulnerable citizens and is an attempt to fit a square peg into a round hole here.

“Clearly the SSAC report outlines in detail the specific differences in the North including, higher levels of disability, higher levels of mental illness and lack of childcare infrastructure.

“The general concerns highlighted in the report include, increase in poverty particularly for children, poorer areas in the North being adversely affected, lack of definition of the ‘most vulnerable’ who should be protected and no evidence that this agenda will reduce unemployment.

“The historic legacy of the conflict and years of underinvestment in the North need to be factored into any welfare changes and Sinn Féin will continue to work hard to ensure fairness and that the most vulnerable are protected.”

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Posted by Newry Times News on Aug 21 2012. Filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry